TIGAON, CAMARINES SUR – The Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Bicol thru its Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Sectoral Committee successfully sponsored a community outreach activity last July 18, 2024 at the Eco Park of Brgy. Coyaoyao of this municipality.
This event showed the council’s support to the 2024 Nutrition Month celebration with the theme “Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat!” (Together in the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition: Ensuring Adequate Nutrition for All!), emphasizing the importance of nutritional education and support for vulnerable communities.
The Agta-Tabangnon Tribe called Agta Kami extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to the visiting team, fostering an atmosphere of genuine hospitality. With smiles on their faces, Agta-Tabangnon children lined up to present handpicked flowers to the visitors, symbolizing their appreciation and joy. The tribe also delighted the guests with a beautiful serenade, enriching the welcoming tribute with their exceptional musical talents.
Following the warm reception, RAFC Bicol organized a series of lively parlor games that engaged children and teenagers from the tribe. These activities were meticulously designed to be both engaging and enjoyable, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among the participants. Parlor games added joy to the community. Prizes in kind were awarded to the winners, adding an excitement to the event.
To officially commence the program, Rebecca S. Purisima, Chairperson of the RAFC GESI Sectoral Committee, delivered the opening remarks. She underscored the importance of supporting the Indigenous People (IP) community, emphasizing the need for inclusive initiatives that promote their well-being and development.
As part of the activity, the team distributed malunggay seedlings, assorted vegetable seeds, and garden tools generously provided by the Department of Agriculture. These resources aim to encourage sustainable gardening practices within the community.
Aloha Gigi I. Bañaria, the Chief of PMED, DA-RFO 5 and Regional Executive Officer of RAFC Bicol, in her inspirational message underscored the importance of the initiative, emphasizing its critical role in enhancing the lives of the Agta- Tabangnon community. Bañaria also shared insights into future projects by the Department of Agriculture (DA) aimed at benefiting the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community, highlighting the department’s ongoing dedication to their progress through its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks) Program. Additionally, Bañaria announced the celebration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People on August 9. This day is dedicated to honoring and recognizing the contributions of Indigenous Peoples globally. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Indigenous communities, reinforcing the event’s commitment to promoting awareness and support for Indigenous Peoples.
Furthermore, Bañaria introduced the potential for a collaborative partnership of DA and RAFC Bicol with the Hansel and Gretel Foundation Inc., a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to offering free education to children, youth, adults, and cultural minorities. This proposed alliance seeks to uplift marginalized communities through food production and livelihood training to help empower this marginalized group.
In response to this promising initiative, Carmen I. Dapilos, President of the Hansel and Gretel Foundation Inc., expressed her profound gratitude to RAFC Bicol for selecting their organization as the beneficiary of the outreach activity. She conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the recognition and support, emphasizing the significant impact this collaboration would have in advancing their shared goals of providing quality education and fostering empowerment within marginalized communities. In a gesture of thanks, she also awarded a certificate of appreciation to RAFC Bicol, acknowledging their commitment to uplifting and supporting underserved populations through meaningful partnerships. She said that among NGAs, the DA has been very supportive to her foundation in providing assistance to this Agta Tabangnon community like farm animals, vegetable seeds and others.
As a gesture of gratitude, the Agta-Tabangnon tribe prepared a captivating intermission performance, featuring traditional tribal rites, dances, and original songs. These performances not only highlighted their creativity and talent but also showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Agta-Tabangnon tribe. Through their vibrant and heartfelt expressions, the tribe offered a profound glimpse into their unique traditions and artistic legacy, further enriching the event with their cultural depth and diversity.
The program featured an orientation on the nutritional value of various foods, aimed at educating the children and their families about making healthier dietary choices. Ms. Purisima, a national outstanding rural woman and a Tribal Chieftain of Tinawagan Agta Tabangnon in same municipality, provided insights into the essential nutrients required for growth and development, along with practical tips on incorporating these nutrients into everyday meals. Following the orientation, a feeding activity was conducted, where nutritious meals were distributed to the children.
Concluding the outreach activity, Marion Noceda, Project Development Officer I and 4Ks Technical Staff, delivered the closing remarks. She extended heartfelt thanks to the entire community for their participation and support in making the event a success. Ms. Noceda also announced that the community could look forward to future initiatives designed to further empower Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities, reinforcing the ongoing commitment to their growth and development.
Through such initiative, the RAFC Bicol and the GESI Sectoral Committee continue to promote health and well- being of the Agta- Tabangnon Community.
(Jonnah Kriz P. Ravago, DA- PMED 5)